The Aussie city crowned Condé Nast Traveller’s best for 2024!

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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With its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture and unbeatable lifestyle, here’s why this Australian city tops the global list.

Australia is back on the world stage, with Sydney being crowned Condé Nast Traveller’s best city in the world for 2024. Beating out stiff competition from some of the world’s most beloved urban hubs, Sydney’s blend of natural beauty, world-class dining and outdoor lifestyle made it a clear winner. Sorry Melbourne!

The honour was voted on by a whopping half a million Condé Nast Traveller readers, with Sydney receiving a score of 92.96. Following closely behind was Valencia, Spain with 92.78 and Singapore with 92.47.

Why Sydney?

From the towering sails of the Sydney Opera House to the golden sands of Bondi Beach, it’s a city that blends cultural and outdoor experiences like nowhere else.

It’s impossible to mention Sydney without imagining its world-famous harbour. No matter if you’re catching a ferry to Manly or climbing the Harbour Bridge for a panoramic view of the city, the harbour is the heart of Sydney’s appeal.

Sydney Harbour with skyline views and Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour is world-renowned.

Sydney’s food scene

Sydney’s dining is another key factor that helped it land on Condé Nast Traveller’s prestigious list. With a fusion of flavours influenced by diverse cultures, Sydney is a paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re sipping a flat white in Surry Hills, indulging in fresh seafood at Circular Quay or dining at world-class restaurants, the city’s culinary offerings are nothing short of spectacular.

Outdoor lifestyle

Sydney’s love affair with the outdoors is another element that draws in global visitors. The coastal walks, like the Bondi to Coogee walk, offer jaw-dropping ocean views, while surfers, swimmers and sun-seekers can explore Sydney’s beaches, from Cronulla to Palm Beach.

Bondi Beach in Sydney
A trip to Bondi Beach is iconic.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

The global appeal of Sydney

Sydney isn’t just a tourist destination – it’s a thriving, multicultural metropolis. The city has something for everyone, from exploring local markets or enjoying the vibrant nightlife at hidden bars across the city or at the incredible old pubs in The Rocks.

On top of that, Sydney is a major hub for international events. Vivid Sydney is just one of the many events that attract travellers from around the world.

Sydney CBD
Sydney has something for everyone.

The top 10

Condé Nast Traveller’s 10 best cities in the world for 2024 are:

1. Sydney, Australia
2. Valencia, Spain
3. Singapore
4. Hong Kong
5. Stockholm, Sweden
6. Tokyo, Japan
7. Vienna, Austria
8. Berlin, Germany
9. Milan, Italy
10. Budapest, Hungary

Explore the top things to do in Sydney.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn Pride Jocelyn Pride
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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso, and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack. Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal, is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.

    The Aussie City Crowned Condé Nast Traveller’s Best For 2024 | Australian Traveller